FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

The Extra Point: Expert League Draft Breakdown, Keeper Discussions, and Chat Q&A (Ep. 1656)

Date: August 16, 2025
Hosts: Chris Welsh (“Welsh”) & Andrew Erickson
Format: Live Discord Podcast with Audience Q&A

Episode Overview

In this engaging live Discord episode, Welsh and Andrew Erickson give listeners a comprehensive look at current fantasy football draft trends, dissect expert league strategies, debate key “keeper” options, and field a wide array of listener questions. The episode blends detailed draft analysis, actionable player insights, and dynamic conversation, all delivered in the show’s classic energetic, inclusive style.

Key Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Expert FLEX League Draft Breakdown (02:40–13:10)

• Welsh recaps his FLEX league draft, highlighting the nuances of building a 14-team, half-PPR roster in an industry "ringers" league.

  • Draft Structure: 2RB, 3WR, 1 FLEX, 1 WR/TE Flex, single QB.
  • Notable picks included:
    • QBs: Justin Fields, Dak Prescott (secured two to mitigate deeper league scarcity)
    • RBs: Breece Hall, RJ Harvey, Brian Robinson (+bench depth)
    • WRs: Justin Jefferson (fell to 5th pick), Travis Hunter, JSN, Egbuka, Jalen Coker
    • Only TE: Jake Ferguson (late, since TE not required)
  • “I really wanted Lamar and I screwed up not taking him in the second round for JSN… Got really sniped.” (Welsh, 04:00)
  • Insight: In a 14-team league, depth at QB and flexibility at WR/TE is crucial; don’t overdraft TEs if not required.

• Draft Evaluation Tools:

  • Welsh lauds the FantasyPros Draft Wizard for giving post-draft analytics and playoff odds even after live drafts:
    • “I’m given a 62% chance to make the playoffs… projected 8-6 record, top five in the league. Makes me feel better!” (Welsh, 10:50)

Notable Quotes:

• “If they don’t force you to draft a tight end, don’t draft one.” (Erickson, 07:46)
• “It looks dynasty-ish with Harvey, Hunter, and Egbuka, but it’s upside in an industry league.” (Welsh, 07:16)

2. Player Value Debates & Draft Strategy

Breece Hall (08:38)

• Erickson expresses concern:
  • “I’m cooling on Breece Hall. His archetype is great, but the Jets keep talking up a committee, and the Braylon Allen hype gets louder each week.” (Erickson, 08:38)
• Contrast: Welsh prefers Breece over Ken Walker but admits Allen’s growing role is a factor.

Unique League Incidents (11:01)

• Draft Oddity: Jalen Waddle went in round 2 (to Joe Dolan with 1st pick), prompting speculation on Tyreek Hill trade rumors.

3. Listener Q&A: Running Back, Keepers, Trade Advice

The Browns’ Backfield: Judkins, Sampson & Ford (13:10–19:18)

• Bryce asks about Dylan Sampson’s value after Judkins news:
  • “The Sampson excitement cooled with Judkins likely back. Still, Sampson’s worth a late dart for early-season upside, depending on your team build and appetite for risk.” (Erickson, 13:50)
• Industry Draft ADP Recap:
  • Judkins went late 6th, Sampson 11th, Ford 10th (all in 14-teamer)—Sampson viewed as value now after correction (Welsh, 19:18)

Keeper Conundrum: Rashi Rice vs. Mike Evans (20:26–26:51)

• Bryce inherits a keeper team, choosing between Rice (7th round) vs. Evans (3rd).
• Consensus: Take the risk with Rice in the 7th, especially if team isn’t contending. Rice’s 2026 outlook could make him an even better value when suspension is over.
  • “If you just want to lock in points, Mike Evans, round 3 makes sense… but swing for the fences with Rashi Rice in round 7.” (Erickson, 21:50)
  • “If you’re rebuilding or just taking shots, Rice is a great future keeper.” (Welsh, 23:15)

Caution on Rashi Rice (Playability & Suspension)

• “Once you draft Rice, you’re kind of locked in. He’ll likely be impossible to trade during suspension. You need a plan.” (Erickson, 30:27)

4. Dynasty Trade Deep-Dive: Quantity vs. Quality (35:30–39:23)

• Question: “Should I trade Jamar Chase, Hawkinson, and a 2027 first for Brock Bowers, Drake London, and Garrett Wilson in a 10-team, half PPR, TE premium?”
• Hosts’ Analysis:
  • With strong WR depth: It’s a fair deal — Chase’s elite value vs. three high-upside assets including a potential generational TE.
  • “I’m always leery of giving up the best player for quantity, but in this case, these are THREE strong assets, and in TE premium Bowers could be a difference-maker for a decade.” (Erickson, 38:19)
  • You can start everyone: “In 2WR, 3FLEX, you’ll always use your WR depth.” (Welsh, 38:12)

5. RB Draft Tiers: Saquon, CMC, Ken Walker, and 2025’s Rookie Backs (39:55–50:19)

• Saquon Barkley Value:

  • The “fantasy community discourse” jokes about Saquon at RB3 despite many fading him; consensus is he’s a backend first-rounder, not a top-3 guy for most.
  • “I have him RB4. I’d take him over Malik Nabers, but in most rooms, he’s gone well before then.” (Erickson, 43:03)

• Can CMC be 2025’s “Saquon”?

  • Yes, but risk remains injury and rising cost.

• Rookie RBs are the 2025 narrative: this class is much stronger than last year’s, expect a surge similar to 2021. Hosts are high on Ash(in) Genti.

  • “This rookie running back class is going to be the story of this season—not old veterans like last year.” (Erickson, 44:56)

• Ken Walker as an undervalued upside bet:

  • “He’s in a new, run-heavy scheme, could see 300+ touches if healthy—has round 1 upside for a round 4 price.” (Erickson, 48:33)

6. Lightning Round: Viewer Chat Questions (52:15–58:12)

Judkins’ Rookie Value among RBs

• Will settle “at the end of the first-round rookie RB/WR tier, ahead of Trey Harris, but after the likes of Harvey, Henderson.” (Erickson, 52:15)

Genti vs. Achan as “Hero RB” (53:35)

• “Both great, but in full PPR I might lean Achan, barely.” (Welsh, 53:35)

Draft Value, Early Standouts (54:16)

• “I still think I’m going with Puka. He’s a beast and will be a top-20 guy.” (Erickson, 54:16)
• Tetraro McMillan seen as surging up draft boards — some aggressive drafters taking him over Higgins, Garrett Wilson, MHJ.

WR Depth & Role Player Value

• “Don’t be afraid to reach a round on your guys, you can still get value.” (Andrew, 58:12)

Memorable Quotes & Banter

• “If you don’t have to start a tight end, don’t draft one. That’s my rule.” (Erickson, 07:46)
• “You made your bed, you’re going to lie in it — with Rice, you’re locked in.” (Erickson, 31:23)
• “This rookie running back class is going to be the story of the season.” (Erickson, 44:56)
• “I’m always wary of quantity for quality, but you’re getting real assets back, with Bowers as a true TE premium potential.” (Welsh, 39:22)
• “You’re not going to find another Puka in round four, I’d scoop him if he falls.” (Erickson, 54:16)

Fun Madden Banter (32:40, 34:00)

• “I’m a menace in Madden, especially on defense… Bogman’s more of a cool cucumber.” (Welsh, 34:00)

Timestamps to Key Segments

• 03:15 – FLEX league draft recap and roster construction discussion
• 08:38 – Breece Hall vs. Ken Walker, RB volatility
• 13:10 – Listener Q&A: Browns RBs (Judkins/Sampson/Ford)
• 20:26 – Keeper debate: Rashi Rice vs. Mike Evans (risk/reward)
• 35:30 – Dynasty Trade Debate: Chase vs. London/Wilson/Bowers package
• 39:55 – Saquon, CMC, Ken Walker: RB strategy, rookie class focus
• 52:15 – Lightning round: Judkins rookie ranks, hero RB, WR draft value
• 54:16 – Surging WR ADP: Tetraro McMillan and others

Takeaways & Actionable Insights

• In deep leagues: Secure depth at scarce positions early; take advantage of position-flex spots to avoid low-upside TEs if not required.
• RB landscape is volatile: Monitor rookie RBs and be wary of veteran bias—emerging trends point to this being the “rookie RB year.”
• Value suspended or injured keepers for future upside—especially when inheriting or rebuilding teams.
• Don’t be afraid to “reach” for ascending young WRs in explosive offenses if you believe in their ceiling.
• Engage with mock drafts, live tools, and community for evolving ADP and sentiment—industry leagues forge trends the general public will soon follow.
• When trading elite assets in dynasty, only accept multiple sure-thing starters, not just “lots of pieces.”

For more live Q&A, in-depth league advice, and fantasy talk, join the FantasyPros Discord and watch for Fantasy Fest on August 19th.